A statement from the player published on the club's official website read: "I would like to send this message to everyone who supports or is involved in Real Madrid. It is not a message of goodbye, but one of thanks and until we meet again.

"I thank Real Madrid for everything it has meant and will always mean to me, because it has helped me as a sportsman and as a person.

"I thank this wonderful club and its supporters for the understanding, support and affection they have given me.

"I thank the media for their understanding and respect.

"I would like to say a special word of thanks to all those who work for Real Madrid, from the president down to the staff and coaches and to all those who work behind the scenes, who the public don’t know but who are always there.

"Finally, I would like to say that I have spent eight unforgettable years of my life here and for my part I have dedicated all my strength and work to give back to Real Madrid some of what it has given me.